Boy, 10-years-old, takes SUV on a joyride

By: Bailey Johnson
Topics: Daily Blotter

SUV (stock photo)

/ CNET

(CBS) - It's probably not a good idea to take your SUV out for a spin when you're upset. But it's definitely not a good idea when you're 10-years-old. A young boy in Texas learned that lesson the hard way when he took his family's SUV out for a joyride that came to a halt with a rear-end collision.

Zilan Fitch of The Woodlands, Texas, reportedly got angry with his mother after being punished and decided to blow off steam by taking her SUV, according to local news station KPRC.

"I just pressed the brakes and turned that on and put it in reverse," he told KPRC. "I just tapped the brakes a little and when I was ready, I was pulled [the gears] all the way."

Young Zilan's mom, Christi Sanders, jumped in a second car and chased after her wayward son. The boy took off around 9 a.m. and was cruising in rush hour traffic, according to Sanders.

He was, however, staying in his lane and using the correct turn signals. But eventually the tyke's trip came to a crashing end when he slammed on the brakes at a red light and was rear-ended, according to KPRC.

The young driver pulled into a doughnut shop parking lot and was arrested and charged with a felony - unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He was taken to juvenile detention but was released to his family.

KPRC interviewed the family and asked Zilan if he had learned anything.

"Sitting in jail, we had to sleep on a metal bed," the boy answered.

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by ProfPJohnson March 27, 2011 11:55 PM EDT: It was a felony - unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. No age too old or too young.; Reply to this comment


by CaboSailor March 27, 2011 1:50 PM EDT: Yes he should have been arrested, and it was good for him to spend some time in jail. Hopefully, he learned a lesson. My only regret for him is that he is charged with a felony. That can really ruin his life, if convicted. Hopefully, unless he's been in trouble before, they'll reduce the charge to a misdemeanor and he'll be sentenced to probation and anger management class.; Reply to this comment


by wyo-kid March 26, 2011 8:15 PM EDT: I wonder if the person who rear ended him was given a ticket for following too close.; Reply to this comment


by Jhihmoac March 26, 2011 7:01 PM EDT: Guess he couldn't wait 'til 16...; Reply to this comment


by alkxer March 26, 2011 6:01 PM EDT: yes, should they just let him off the hook because he was a minor? he certainly knew enough to start the engine and used the correct turn signals--he was aware of what he was doing. fortunately for him, no one died as a result of his poor decision.; Reply to this comment